we're all mad here [ avoir. x chasing_stars ]

[paper planets]

── ( ✰ ✰ ✰ ) ──────────── (( M E L A N I E !!! ✰✰✰

" can anybody hear me? am I talking to myself? "


the stairs were coming up too fast, Cooper was leaping up them, taking them two at a time and, too scared to trip, Melanie took one at a time. Her feet were moving a lightning speed and her unoccupied hand was grasping at the railing beside her to prevent her front tripping and falling and, ultimately, slowing their escape. Escape. Even the thought of leaving this wretched laboratory caused her eager heart to swell with relief and wonder. Though, she did trip, and just barely catch herself on the railing before she fell, when a blaring alarm sounded. Suddenly the stairwell was plunged into a pure darkness before flashing red light eerily illuminated the two panicked escapees. Her head whipped around from side to side, she didn't know what the alarms meant, if they had already been caught or if they were still on the run, but it caused fear to strike deep within her chest. Freedom was just beyond reach, it couldn't be over just like that, right?

Melanie couldn't worry any longer because Cooper had spoke, with determination lacing his voice, as he tightened his grip on her hand. She took a few deep breaths to try and calm her racing heart and to keep her breathing even. Though, her chest was still heaving and her breathing was ragged, all from the adrenaline, the fear and also for the fact that she had not gotten much physical exercise since she had been in the lab. The girl was pulled back to reality when Cooper began running again, this time his pace was even quicker and she could feel, hear and even see the urgency that surrounded them now. But, she held on to hope because Cooper was still going, he hadn't given up yet, that meant there was still a chance of escape.

The loud clanging of feet stomping against the stairs rang out behind Melanie and caused her to abandon her one-step-at-a-time method and go for two-at-a-time. It was risking the chance of her tripping, but she had to take that chance. Though, it wasn't long before they reached the top of the stairs and it was much easier to run on flat ground. They dashed down the long corridors and swerved around corners, feet skidding on the polished floors. As Cooper led her around a sharp turn they continued to run and she saw it. The open foyer. The exit. But, the euphoria of seeing a glimpse of the outside, the escape, was crushed when a group of people, all wearing heavy, all black gear, rushed in a blocked the exit. Melanie gasped and quickly tugged on Cooper's hand, slowly turning in the other direction. As she turned she saw a smaller emergency exit at the other side of the large open space. The red 'exit' sign sat atop the door and called to her. That was when she started pulling Cooper after her and bolted for the one exit that would save their lives.

[avior.]

⎯⎯xxxC O O P E R !!
xxxxx❝ weep, little lion man, you're not as brave as you were at the start

Cooper gasped as he was tugged in another direction even as his fingers went for his handgun. He probably could’ve taken one or two out with head shots, but this was admittedly more convenient. Spotting the exit, he curled his fingers tighter around Melanie’s and matched her pace, running for the door. A few shots rang after them even as he shoved it open and pulled her through, but he guessed the bullets would only be a minor concern for them. It wasn’t that any of the guards cared about his life- rather, they would likely do everything in their power to stop them without killing Melanie. She was the valuable one.

The fresh air hit his face and his breaths were coming faster, but Cooper didn’t stop as he tugged her around the corner of the building to the parking lot. His gun was only slowing him down so he tossed it down to the ground, instead already reaching for his car keys in his pocket. He heard the sound of the door slamming open again and brisk voices calling for them to freeze even as their guns clicked, probably a sign of them loading tranquilizer darts into their rifles instead. They’d already turned the corner, though, and Cooper busied himself with pressing the unlock and then tearing open the passenger door as soon as they reached his vehicle.

”Get in, get in, hurry,” he urged, ushering her inside. He ran around to his side, getting in and starting the vehicle before punching the acceleration and tearing out of the parking lot far beyond the speed limit.

[paper planets]

── ( ✰ ✰ ✰ ) ──────────── (( M E L A N I E !!! ✰✰✰

" can anybody hear me? am I talking to myself? "


Melanie clenched her teeth together and ducked her head as she ran when she heard the gunshots ring out after her and Cooper. But she didn't stop moving, she couldn't stop moving. Other than Cooper pulling her forwards, she felt this urge within her to keep her feet moving and it only grew stronger when the door was pushed open and the pure, real sunlight washed over her. She squinted against the white light as the two escapees bolted out of the lab and she was unable to suppress a gasp as the warm sun rays hit her pale skin. She didn't remember what it felt like, it had been months since she felt real sunlight, but it felt like years.

There wasn't much time to gaze around in wonder, with the loud voices shouting after them as guns clicked, but her mouth was agape as her head whipped around her, trying to take it all in. Cooper pulled Melanie around a corner and before she could comprehend it all she was jumping into his car and swiftly pulling the door shut. In an instant he was in the other seat and starting car. She curled up in the passengers side as Cooper stomped his foot onto the gas petal and tore out of the parking lot, tires squealing sharply against the concrete. Once they were out on the open road, she straightened up slightly and looked out of the window, her breathing still heavy from all of the running. She gazed behind them and, at the moment, didn't see any cars that seemed to be following them. Melanie sat down again, facing the front of the car and suddenly remembered her seatbelt. She clipped it on quickly with a few muttered words and turned her gaze to look at Cooper, "Don't forget your seatbelt," she reminded him breathlessly as she nodded towards her own seatbelt which was now secure.

[avior.]

⎯⎯xxxC O O P E R !!
xxxxx❝ weep, little lion man, you're not as brave as you were at the start

Cooper didn't look at her as she spoke, eyes plastered to the road ahead. Right now, he wasn't focused much on speed limit- he just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. "Right, how could I forget that?" He muttered only half-sarcastically as he managed to pull his seatbelt over his chest with one hand. His eyes darted up to the rearview mirror- there were no helicopters or cars chasing them yet, as they wouldn't want to risk a showdown in the middle of the city, but they would come for them yet. Feeling his heartbeat slow, Cooper took his foot off the accelerations and let the car slow to the maximum speed posted on the sign that flashed by. Only now, with the exhilaration wearing off, did it really occur to him what he'd done.

He had broken a prisoner out of a high security laboratory with barely any time for thinking in between. It might've easily been the stupidest decision he'd made yet, but right now he didn't mind. He settled back in his seat, groaning softly. "Alright, next stop is my house." Obviously they couldn't stay there- the moment they got in the front door he'd have to pack some clothes for both of them and grab any other basic necessities. Then they' be fleeing again; not that he knew where.

[paper planets]

── ( ✰ ✰ ✰ ) ──────────── (( M E L A N I E !!! ✰✰✰

" can anybody hear me? am I talking to myself? "


After hearing his words, said with a slight tone of sarcasm laced into the muttered response, Melanie didn't do anything but press her lips together into a straight line as she looked over at him. There wasn't much time for her to formulate a response anyways, her mind was filled with his thoughts and the one that stuck out the most caused her heartbeat to speed up. But they would come for them yet.. She fixed her eyes on the world that was laid out in front of her, not risking another glance backwards, "Yet," she breathed out and she swallowed past the lump in her throat before her thoughts continued, "They're going to come for me, they'll try and find me. But... I can't go back, I can't go back," she whispered as she shut her eyes tightly. She had a taste of freedom with the adrenaline pumping through her veins, her windblown hair, flushed cheeks and her restless heart. She couldn't say goodbye to that again.

Melanie only opened her eyes when she felt the car slow down significantly. She looked around, brown eyes scanning the area quickly before they flicked back over to Cooper. She nodded slowly to his words, which were spoken soon after she had turned her gaze towards him. She briefly questioned, in her usual murmuring voice, what his house looked like. Her free flowing thoughts would've continued if it wasn't for the car slowing down even more. Tuning back into reality she watched as Cooper turned the steering wheel and the car slowed to a stop right in front of a large apartment building. She leaning forwards, peering up at the many balconies that jutted out from the tall and rectangular, dark brown building, "This is where you live?" she asked as she turned towards Cooper, mainly to see if she should get out of the car or not.

[avior.]

⎯⎯xxxC O O P E R !!
xxxxx❝ weep, little lion man, you're not as brave as you were at the start

Cooper nodded, stalling the vehicle and pulling out the key. ”Yep.” He unlocked the doors and opened his just a crack before looking over at her, eyes serious. ”Alright. Keep your head down, follow right behind me, and don’t say a single word to anyone. Understand?” They were still far too close to the laboratory to be safe. If one of the civilians took too much notice of her and the guards came asking around, their escape would be over before it had really begun. ”We’ll pack some things and then we’ll leave. No stopping until we’re far away.” In all honesty, he just needed to get his own basic possessions, but he didn’t want to leave Melanie in the vehicle- not with the amount of danger they were currently in. He opened the door and got it, making his way towards the apartment complex’s entrance at a fast clip. The sooner they were gone, the better. He shoved open the door, holding it for Melanie, then made a beeline for the elevator.

[paper planets]

── ( ✰ ✰ ✰ ) ──────────── (( M E L A N I E !!! ✰✰✰

" can anybody hear me? am I talking to myself? "


Melanie had turned her gaze back towards the building once Cooper said this was where he lived, but she was quick to look at him when he spoke again. This time his voice was deep and serious and his eyes were hardened, she could almost feel the underlying fear that emitted from his thoughts. If they were caught that would be it. She had spent this whole time worrying about having to live in the lab again, "But, what would they do to Cooper?" she murmured softly, her eyes growing wide with fear as she tried to suppress the shudder that passed down her spine. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she nodded in Cooper direction, "I understand," she assured him, nodding quickly. The serious energy that enveloped them was intimidating, but she forced herself to power through it and pushed her door open. As soon as she closed the car door she hunched her shoulders, lowered her head and kept her gaze trained in the floor as she followed Cooper.

The two escapees entered the elevator in no time and she watched, from underneath her eyelashes, as Cooper pressed a button and then the elevator was moving. She stood frozen, elevators - or small spaces in general - had never been a favourite of hers, even before the lab. Melanie was glad when they stepped out of the confines of the unsteady, metal elevator and she kept up with Cooper's swift pace down the hallway. Pausing momentarily in front of a door as he pulled keys from his pocket and unlocked the door. Then, they were inside and she watched as Cooper ran around, picking up things here and there. She stood by the closed door listened for the heavy sounds of footfalls or the thoughts of people that would suggest they were coming to find them. If they were looking for them she would be able to tell, by their thoughts. So, she waited, eyes trained on Cooper and mind trained of the hallway behind the door.

[avior.]

⎯⎯xxxC O O P E R !!
xxxxx❝ weep, little lion man, you're not as brave as you were at the start

Cooper packed until he had a duffel bag full of clothes, half for him and half ones that had grown too small. Hopefully they would fit her well enough. He turned to her, realizing it would probably be for the best if she understood everything that was going on. It wouldn’t be any good to freak her out. So when he spoke, he kept his voice even and controlled. ”I’m going into that room over there to change out of this jumpsuit. You can do the same here if you want.” He handed her a plain, inconsciocuous t-shirt that would probably be quite a bit too baggy and a pair of sweatpants that would hopefully fit well enough.

His own clothes in hand, Cooper closed the bathroom door behind him and changed quickly, determined to get out of there as soon as possible.

[paper planets]

── ( ✰ ✰ ✰ ) ──────────── (( M E L A N I E !!! ✰✰✰

" can anybody hear me? am I talking to myself? "


As Cooper paced back and forth, picking up clothes here and there and shoving them into a large duffle bag, she hung back, just watching. Melanie piped up when he turned to her and she looked on at him, awaiting the words that she knew would be coming soon. Even though she wasn't extremely panicked, Cooper's calm and controlled voiced calmed her and let her breathe evenly, "There's nothing to stress about.. Not now, anyways," she murmured softly under her breath, making sure to nod in understanding once he finished speaking. She took the clothes that were handed to her, and clutched them close to her chest until he had turned and entered the bathroom. At the click of the door, she changed swiftly, extremely happy to be rid of the conspicuous white jumpsuit.

Once she was changed into the baggy t-shirt and the dark grey sweatpants (which she tightened all of the way to make them stay up) she kicked the jumpsuit away from her feet. Then, she wandered over to a full-length mirror that was leaning against the wall. She stood in front of the mirror, getting a good look at herself for the first time in months. There had been no mirrors in the lab, the only time that she saw herself was in the distorted reflection on a spoon or the cloudy metal doors. Taking in her pale skin and disheveled hair, she frowned and swallowed past the lump in her throat before she used her fingers to comb through her hair until it was presentable. At that point, she heard the bathroom door opening and she took a few steps away from the mirror and looked on at Cooper, the next step would have to be back to the car. From then on, she did not know.

( just a little note... I changed melanie's faceclaim. The older one just didn't connect with me and it had been bothering me for a while, so I hope it doesn't cause any confusion! )

[avior.]

⎯⎯xxxC O O P E R !!
xxxxx❝ weep, little lion man, you're not as brave as you were at the start

Cooper had stared at his reflection for a few moments, hardly able to recognize himself. He looked the same as always, though- maybe it was just the realization of what he was doing that put an uncomfortable prickling in his gut. Sighing, he left the bathroom, changed back into casual clothes. They’d likely have to find some way to disguise themselves until they were far enough away to not be in danger anymore- he could probably de his hair darker, and maybe Melanie would be alright with cutting her hair shorter. Calling the door behind him, he gave his companion a small, somewhat uncertain smile, picking up his duffel bag and adjusting the wide strap across his shoulder. The last thing he did was grab his wallet and put it in his pocket, casting one last glance around his apartment. Most of the furniture wasn’t his anyways, but he’d be leaving a fair bit behind. Oh well. Helping Melanie was more important.

”Alright, if you’re ready...” he looked around again, realizing he was just buying time by this point. It wasn’t too late to turn Melanie in. Somewhat horrified at how quickly the thought had come, scooper shook his head quickly and opened the door in one swift movement, determined to forget it. He knew the file could read minds- there wasn’t much point in hoping she hadn’t caught that. Either way, he wouldn’t- couldn’t- do that to a person. He had done bad things before, but he was past the point of no return. Even if he did go back, they would kill him anyways. He began to lead her back out the way they’d come. ”Alright, where do you want to go?” He questioned, turning slightly to face her. ”It’s only fair for you to pick.”

[no worries, I love the new faceclaim! sorry this took a while uwu]